If you’re craving a salad that feels like the perfect celebration of fresh flavors and textures, the Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant dish combines tender grilled chicken with juicy strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, all tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that brings every element together in relish-worthy harmony. It’s a quick, colorful, and healthful meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful on your plate, perfect for lunches, light dinners, or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a balanced, flavorful salad. The simplicity of fresh produce mixed with protein and a bold dressing ensures each bite has a delightful mix of tastes and textures.
- Chicken breasts: Grilled and sliced, they add a juicy and hearty protein base that’s satisfying without overpowering other flavors.
- Mixed greens: A fresh, crisp foundation that brings vibrant color and a mild peppery note to the salad.
- Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and sliced for perfect distribution throughout the salad, they provide a refreshing burst in every bite.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy, tangy richness that complements both the fruit and the greens.
- Walnuts: Chopped to bring a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: A zesty and slightly sweet dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and highlighting all the natural flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Grill and slice the chicken
Start by grilling two chicken breasts until perfectly cooked and juicy, then slice them thinly. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and tender, which is the heart of the salad.
Step 2: Combine the salad base
Next, in a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onions, crumbled feta, and chopped walnuts together. This colorful mix provides a wonderful balance of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess before adding the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Layer the grilled, sliced chicken breasts over the salad base. This makes sure every forkful has a satisfying combination of protein and produce.
Step 4: Dress and season
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad, then sprinkle on salt and pepper to your liking. Toss gently if you prefer or leave the chicken on top as a pretty finishing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and texture, consider topping the salad with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds. These add herbal brightness or an additional crunch that elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a full meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic roasted potatoes, or a light vegetable soup to round out your dining occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a picnic-ready presentation or arrange it beautifully on a large platter for a family-style meal. The vibrant colors of the strawberries and greens make it visually stunning wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components separately when possible. Keep the grilled chicken and dressing in airtight containers and refrigeration for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and strawberries do not freeze well and may become watery or mushy.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding it back to the fresh salad ingredients. Avoid reheating the entire salad to preserve the integrity of the greens and berries.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken other than grilled?
Absolutely! While grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can use roasted, baked, or even leftover cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s sliced thin for the best texture and taste.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinaigrette?
You can easily substitute with a mix of olive oil, vinegar (like red wine or apple cider), a little honey, and Dijon mustard. This will provide a similar tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the salad well.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
Yes, feel free to experiment with fresh fruits like blueberries, mandarin oranges, or sliced peaches. Keep in mind the sweetness level to keep the salad balanced with the other savory ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Chop and portion out the ingredients for easy, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan-friendly version, omit the chicken and feta cheese. Replace the chicken with beans or grilled tofu and use a dairy-free cheese or avocado for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, balanced flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something quick but crave sophistication and taste. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it—once you try it, it just might become your go-to salad for any season!
Print
Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring grilled chicken breasts, mixed greens, juicy strawberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Allow them to rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breasts on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently if desired, then serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the balsamic vinaigrette contains no gluten additives.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly to enhance their crunch and flavor.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or mint for an added aromatic touch.
